Month: October 2015

Are you considering a fresh start? What better place to choose than the West Country, and thousands will agree… Between 2003 and 2008 the region’s population grew faster than the whole of the UK’s.
So why is the demand to live in Devon and Cornwall so high? We’ve let the facts speak for themselves and highlighted ten reasons you should consider the West Country Dream.

Health

Wanting to live a healthier lifestyle? The South West has some of the lowest levels of air pollution in the UK; on average pollution in the London area is four times higher than Exeter, one of the South West’s most popular city’s. Wanting to live a long life? The South West also has the highest regional life expectancy at birth for women, and second highest for men.

Beaches

Many young families consider relocating to the South West each year. If you’re looking for a balanced quality of life on a smallholding or farm, you’re heading to the right part of the world. According to Trip Advisor’s latest list of top ten UK beaches, four of them are in the West Country and one of those is also included in Trip Advisor’s 25 world’s best beaches. It’s Woolacombe, in case you were wondering!

Commute time

Many families and couples who relocate to a smallholding in the South West will also have a second job or occupation, and for those people, we have some great news; the West Country has the shortest average commute in the country. According to the latest National Survey Travel, workers spend around 56 hours a year commuting. That may seem like a lot of your time, but compared to other areas in the country, it’s the best place to live if you’re looking to get home before nightfall!

Crime levels

Everyone wants to to live in an area in which they feel at ease knowing their children can grow up in a safe environment. Crime rates in the South West are among the lowest in England.
According to Government statistics, household crime levels in the South West are 16% lower than the national average!

Food and drink

If you’re planning on using farmland to grow or sell your own produce you’ll be joining some of the best in the country, and the world! From Cornish clotted cream to West Country lamb and beef — the South West has some of the finest food and drink around.

Things to do and see

When you’re not enjoying the fresh air owning your own land will provide you with, the West Country has plenty to offer any fan of the outdoors. More than a quarter of the region is designated National Park, and well, we’ve already mentioned those beaches haven’t we!

Education

If you have school-aged children, education is going to play a huge factor in your decision to relocate.. 85% of schools in Devon are considered to be ‘outstanding’ by OFSTED, and once they’ve finished their schooldays, some of the country’s best universities are located in the South West, including Exeter University, which has recently been ranked in the Times’ world top 100.

Employment

Worried about finding a job when you move? Have no fear! Among UK regions, the South West has higher than average rates of employment and one of the lowest unemployment rates.

Land prices

If you’re looking to the West Country to continue farming or take your first step in the industry, you’ll be pleased to know that land prices remain stable and are set to rise in coming years which means your investment won’t be susceptible to a fluctuating market.

Tourism

Many landowners diversify into the tourism marketplace; the South West has the highest number of seasonal visitors than any other UK region or country, which is great news if you’re setting up or moving a business to the South West!

Do you need help?

Most of the points above come down to research, and simply knowing the lay of the local land. This is where we aim to help those relocating. We have the knowledge of the local area, we understand agriculture, and we’ve also done it ourselves. We’re here to help you make sure that your dream move becomes a reality.

For more information on how West Country Dream can help you realise your dream of moving to a smallholding, farm or property with land in the South West of England please take a look around our site or call Helen Garrett on 07816 514667.

Many people believe Cornwall is one of the best areas in the UK to live; since the 1960s the county’s population has grown quicker than the rest of the South West, with potential buyers jostling to enjoy some of the country’s best beaches, stunning views, and a more laid back way of life than those living as a commuter in the South East.

With so many great places to hang your hat, it can be difficult to choose exactly where you want to settle. We’ve taken a look at five popular areas for people wanting to take on a smallholding or move their family to the Duchy.

Rock, Padstow

Rock is one of Cornwall’s gems when it comes to coastal villages. Renowned for its celebrity restaurants and sandy beaches, Rock attracts thousands of tourists each year. However, don’t let its tourism spotlight deter you; there are a number of smallholdings and properties for sale in the area with stunning sea-views, although you will of course pay a premium for if your property can see a glimpse of the blue stuff!

Bodmin Moor

Alongside tourism, farming plays a huge part in the Cornish economy, contributing around £366 million a year. If you’re looking for a rural retreat, somewhere to set up your business where space is in abundance, then look no further than the Bodmin Moor area, home to Cornwall’s ‘twin peaks’ Rough Tor and Brown Willy.

Villages such as St Breward, Blisland and St Kew boast some of the best countryside walks with amazing views of the moor. You may seem like you’re in the middle of nowhere, but links to major roads, the A30 and A39, are easily accessible.

Newquay

Considered as the UK’s surfing capital, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to surfing spots and beach walks. Newquay is not only great if you like surfing, it is easily accessible from across the country — great if you’re looking to set up a business, drawing in customers far and wide. Unlike many coastal parts of Cornwall, major roads go directly into Newquay and the nearby airport offers all year round direct flights to London and Manchester.

Falmouth

Located on Cornwall’s south coast is the county’s largest port, Falmouth. If you’re looking for a smallholding or farm, but don’t want to miss out on Cornish culture, Falmouth is the place to be!

With Cornwall’s capital just a 30-minute drive away and one of King Henry VIII’s finest fortresses nestled nearby, there’s plenty to see and do. If you have a children, education will likely have a huge influence when it comes to your decision to move, so you’ll be pleased to know Falmouth University has an international reputation for excellence. The town also has great rail links; making journeys of hundreds of miles seem less daunting!

Cawsand, Rame Peninsula

If you’re looking to relocate to Cornwall, but want to remain relatively close to a city, Cawsand is just a ferry ride away from Plymouth; ‘Britain’s Ocean City’. By bordering Devon the town offers the best of both worlds when it comes to beaches and the Tamar Valley, an Area of Outstanding Beauty.

If you’re looking for things to do when taking a break from work on the farm or office, Mount Edgcumbe House is well worth a visit or take a stroll through the gardens of Antony House, which you may have spotted in Walt Disney’s Alice in Wonderland!

If you’re looking to move to the Duchy, whether to find the perfect family home or to buy property with land, get in touch with West Country Dream, on 07816 514667.